Manchester United fell at home to Swansea City on Opening Day, the latest in a long bout of Old Trafford failings but the first under new manager Louis van Gaal.
And suddenly, the legendary manager says the Red Devils faith will sink.
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“We have built up a lot of confidence (in pre-season) and it shall be smashed down because of this result,” van Gaal said after the 2-1 loss to Swans.
“It’s disappointing for the fans, for the players and also for me. It’s a very bad day for us.”
The Red Devils were quite shorthanded, with Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw among those absent. And van Gaal hasn’t added to his core since coming to town, as Ander Herrera and Shaw were signed before he arrived.
Van Gaal confirms he’s looking to bring in new players: “I thought that before this match. That is not different… We have to wait & see.”
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2014
New captain Wayne Rooney, who scored, says it’s just a sad bump in the road to where they need to be.
Wayne Rooney on today’s loss: “We have to bounce back. We have eight days until the next game. We start our season there.” #MUFClive
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2014
Even as a cheeky #VanGaalOut trended on Twitter, most fans knew United’s rebuild wouldn’t happen over night (International Champions Cup title not withstanding). It’s just another sign that a manager helps a team succeed, but players drive the bus.
United need more drivers.